Discipline Your Toddler
Children, at a very young age, especially when they are toddlers, should not be expected to behave like well disciplined children. However, in this stage, if proper attention is paid, parents can prevent behavior problems and their tantrums can be cut short to help them grow as disciplined children. There is no one size method to discipline your toddler. So try to be consistent, but remain flexible also when your method doesn’t work.
Set up a routine
To discipline your toddler, set up a routine from the very initial stages. Setting bed times, mealtimes and bath time will help the child learn the sequence of events and can help the parents to pay attention to the child’s need properly. Parents can follow and let their child follow a disciplined routine; for example parents can avoid battling to let their child sleep, if they set a time for story telling session and ask them to go to bed, the child will happily accept their command and will clam down and go to sleep easily. They will eat their meal without showing any tantrums.
Redirect the child
When your toddler is creating a mess or yelling or screaming, redirect her energy into something positive. For example, if your child is drawing on the wall and refuses to stop it, redirect him towards the cartoon show he or she likes most.
Set correct and clear rules
Let your toddler know what right behavior is and what is wrong. For example, if you allow your toddler to jump on the couch at home, he or she will perform the same act, when you are at your friend’s home. Be firm. Your toddler will try to bend rules by showing his tantrums. Be strict and learn to say no.
Be gentle and sympathetic
Toddlers are very close to their parents. They generally listen to the commands of parents if they are encouraged and given instructions politely.
Remain calm and composed
Sometimes, in spite of doing everything right, your child still shows his or her tantrums. Suppose he starts screaming when you stop him from spoiling an important material. Leave him and walk away saying you will only come back when he/she listen to you or stop screaming. Child will automatically understand that he is doing something wrong.
Never hit your child
Believe in the goodness of your child. If you punish them or try to be very strict, they will lose their innocence and become stubborn. They are at the age of learning and testing. Your love and care will help them to grow as disciplined children.
